What is the difference between a community foundation and other types of foundations?

Community foundations are supported by a broad group of individuals and anyone may participate. They truly belong to the community they serve: the money comes from the community, the board of directors represents the community, the money goes back into the community.

A community foundation is a collection of resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds within one large foundation. A portion of the income is granted to the community through grant requests from local 501(c)(3) organizations.

What is the first step?

Call our office at 360.419.3181 to begin the conversation. We work closely with professional advisors to create the supporting documents you will need. There is no cost on our end to facilitate a gift.

How can I contribute?

If you would like to make a donation, send a check to PO Box 1763, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. To contribute to one of our endowments or your charity of choice, write their name in the memo line of the check or on the Donate Now page. Online donations can be made by clicking here.

What kinds of giving options are available to donors?​Donors can establish funds in their name, family’s name or the name of any person or organization(s) they wish to honor. Once that fund is established, grants can then be distributed from that fund and awarded to local organizations. Named funds can be created in any of these categories:

Unrestricted Funds: Used to support the ever-changing needs of the community.

Field of Interest Funds: Used to support a specific area or cause important to a community (Arts, Underserved Youth, Recreation, etc).

Donor Advised Funds: Designed to keep donors actively involved in causes that are most important to them by recommending eligible nonprofits for grants from the fund.

Designated Funds: Used to direct available grant dollars to specific organization(s) in perpetuity.

Non-endowed Pass-through Funds: Used for special projects that use the entire principal in the fund by a certain date.

What are the Financial Benefits & Tax Advantages?​​The Federal tax code provides significant incentives for contributions to a community foundation. Consult your professional advisors for details.